The Buddies boss is taking inspiration from Montpellier who overcame the odds to win their first French Ligue 1 title.

And as Saints attempt to improve on last season’s eighth place – their highest finish in the SPL for 20 years – Lennon is adamant small pockets won’t hinder their progress.

He said: “We’ll go with the same approach as last term. It was a challenge and while we don’t have the biggest budget in the league, we finished a few places higher than clubs with much higher budgets.

“Montpellier became French champions with the 12th lowest budget by playing attractive football.

“It was about quality football and showed every underdog can have their day if they have commitment and put in the work.

“You also need to carry luck but if we build from last season we’ll be doing well. However, we know it will be a challenge.”

St Mirren kick off the campaign at home to Inverness today and Lennon refuses to be downbeat despite the absence of four key players.

He said: “Graham Carey is the only injury problem but Steven Thompson, Jim Goodwin and Mark McAusland are suspended. They are four big players and we have a very reduced squad.

“We have 18 players so one player being out, never mind four, is something which will affect us. But I would rather concentrate on the players I have rather than those I don’t.

“We can still turn out a strong 11.

“Every one of the 18 players we have will be stretched to their absolute limits from now until the end of the season. We are looking forward to the challenge on Saturday and it’s going to be a difficult game for us.”

Lennon is asking the Paisley public to forget the Olympics for an afternoon and head for Greenfield Road.

He said: “The Olympics is exciting but I would encourage fans to watch us.

“What our club is selling is very entertaining football and that was proven last season. It was shown by the positivity we had from the public of Paisley.

“I had some very encouraging correspondence from them.

“You only need to look at Lee Mair who by his own admission had his best season since becoming a pro.

“Big Steven Thompson had the best goal return he’s had from any club. David van Zanten was also excellent so it’s not just about the young players.

“It’s also about maximising the experienced players and then we have Paul McGowan who was a joy to watch on a Saturday and every day in training.”

Meanwhile, Saints midfielder Gary Teale insists rumours he is to move to Rangers have no foundation and his focus is on making sure the Buddies build on last season.

He said: “I have no idea where those rumours came from. I found out when I came into training and the boys asked why I was still at the club.

“I am happy at St Mirren. Long may it continue.

“It is about progression. We want to go forward another step but we don’t want to look too far ahead. If we can have a good foundation then hopefully we will sustain it.

“Then the club grows as a whole. We just want to be better than last season.”